I heard about this A35 from a chap at the Chelmer Valley Car Meet, and as it was just 10 minutes away it made sense to follow it up.

The story goes something like this, in 1976ish the seller was working at the original dealership this car was sold at, Frost Brothers in Hornchurch, when the elderly owner came in looking to sell his A35. Although the boss wasn't interested because it was too old, the seller was, and he used it for about a year before storing it with the intention of his son learning to drive in it, but that never happened, and it has sat in the lockup garage ever since. It was MOT'd in 1987, but not used.

It is in very very good condition under the dust and I am currently in negotiations with the seller, it is one of the best original A35's I have ever seen, 30,500ish miles on the clock, never been welded and still with most of its original paint. Might be another one to add to the collection, lets hope so, if so this will be a joint purchase with Dad

Hope you like the pictures

Last edited by Richard H on Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

If we don't come to an agreement over price then of course I will pass on his details to you Rick, I am quite hopeful, as although the first price the seller mentioned was way above what it was worth he said he was sure we could come to a deal and 'everything is negotiable Richard mate'.

If I do buy it who knows, maybe 990 BKN will be up for grabs, not nearly as tidy as this one though! Sadly she has started misfiring badly, must be the thought of replacing her has hurt her feelings so that needs to be sorted out._________________1935 Standard Twelve
1953 Austin A40 Somerset
1958 Austin A55 Cambridge
1959 Austin A35
1980 Vauxhall Royale 2.8 auto
1987 Austin Maestro 1.3 L

I phoned the seller today and made a very reasonable offer, which he accepted! That includes delivery as well, which would be difficult due to the fact the lockup where the car is stored is down a very narrow alleyway, the brakes are seized, and the tyres are flat and don't look like they would hold air. Anyway all being well it should get delivered here sometime next week

Oh and sorted out the running of 990 BKN, turned out to be the coil breaking down, fitted a new one and it's as good as new!_________________1935 Standard Twelve
1953 Austin A40 Somerset
1958 Austin A55 Cambridge
1959 Austin A35
1980 Vauxhall Royale 2.8 auto
1987 Austin Maestro 1.3 L

I've been thinking about what the A35 will need, any suggestions greatly received

Plan is to recommission sympathetically, only respraying/repairing the bodywork where it is neccessary.

Things to do:

- Good wash, T-cut and polish.
- New crossply tyres and repainted wheels all round.
- Drop the sump and clean out old gunge, also check oil pressure relief valve.
- A damn good service, grease up, new battery and exhaust.
- New seat straps.
- Weld small hole at the base of N/S front wing.
- Repair and uncover the original mats, hopefully they are salvageable.
- New/resleeved brake cylinders all round, this is going to be the expensive part, there is one new wheel cylinder in the boot although the rest will have to be sourced. Bleed the brakes.
- New steering box probably as there was a fair amount of play in the steering, and from my experience this leads to an unpleasant ride.
- Check the fuel tank, may have to remove and flush it through if it is that bad, I am hoping I can get away with a fuel filter though.
- Check all the lights etc, work.
- Mot.
- And lastly, make a trip to Chelmsford DVLA to change the taxation class to Historic Vehicle!

No doubt there will be more things though! It certainly is not going to be cheap, but well worth it in the end